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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
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Scores of iPhone Addicts Mob Fifth Avenue Apple Store for New Release

By  Trevor Kapp and Alan Neuhauser | September 20, 2013 1:19pm 

 Hundreds gathered early outside the Fifth Avenue Apple Store to make sure they got their hands on a new iPhone.
Apple Fanatics Rejoice at New iPhone Release
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MIDTOWN — Christmas came early for Apple addicts who lined up outside the Fifth Avenue store early Friday morning to get their hands on the new iPhone 5S and 5C.  

“The new features are sick. I’m like a kid at a candy story. It’s worth it — every penny, every second on line,” said Will Mapp, 28, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, who arrived at midnight to make sure he got his smart phone.

The 5S sports a fingerprint sensor, an improved camera and a faster processor, while the 5C comes in five different colors and has a plastic casing.

NYPD community affairs officers stood outside the 567 Fifth Ave. store Friday morning and warned shoppers to register the slick new phones with the police to be tracked in the event of loss or theft.

Police can compare the ID of any gizmo they recover with their records to see they have a phone or laptop that was reported lost or stolen.

Officers also encouraged Apple device users to download an operating system that renders a stolen phone inoperable without correct Apple log-in information.

Cops were slated to be at the store throughout the weekend.

Jeremy Thompson, 31, came in from Bushwick so he wouldn’t miss out.

“I’ve had every other iPhone, so why not this one?” he asked. “It’s just the cool factor of the iPhone and the whole touch screen thing. It’s a fashion statement.”

Ahmed Abdall, 25, came from Bay Ridge with a pal and held his breath anxiously hoping in the phones wouldn't sell out before he got his turn.

“I’d be disappointed if they don’t have the silver,” said Abdall, a hotel manager. “I wanted to be one of the first to get it. You can brag to everyone for about a week that you have it."

Angelica Rubilar, a chemical engineer visiting from Chile, said she thought members of the Apple mob on Fifth Avenue were crazy.

"It's just a phone. All they can do is call someone," said Rubilar, 48. "I wouldn't wait more than 10 minutes for a phone.''